With the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reporting thousands of battery-related fires, this year's Fire Prevention Week — which began Sunday — is focusing on safe charging techniques for lithium-ion batteries.
Acting State Fire Marshal Matt Luetkemeyer emphasized the importance of monitoring devices while they charge, noting that many people leave phones, laptops and scooters plugged in overnight while they sleep.
“One easy step is to only charge devices while awake and not to leave the home while charging," Luetkemeyer said. "It’s best to be able to check charging batteries.”
Fire safety officials urge consumers to use only manufacturer-approved cords and chargers, and to unplug devices once they are fully charged to reduce heat and stress on the battery. Devices should always be charged on hard, flat surfaces like tables, rather than on beds, couches or under pillows where trapped heat can cause overheating.
Larger items like e-bikes, scooters and power tools should be charged outside and away from exits, as their larger batteries can cause fires to grow rapidly if they fail. For smaller devices, users should stop using them immediately if they become excessively hot, swell, smoke or emit a strange odor.
When traveling on a plane, devices should be kept in sight rather than in overhead compartments, and e-cigarettes or vapes should never be charged in flight.
For more information on Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.
